Clues for Real Life: The Classic Wit & Wisdom of Nancy Drew


Jennifer Fisher - 2007
    Readers couldn't have missed the words of wisdom sprinkled throughout the book about how to deal with everyday problems mixed in with the mystery. Filled with memorable and fun illustrations of Nancy during the past 75 years, this new book is filled with quotes straight from the pages of Nancy Drew books. And, with chapters covering such topics as Career Clues: The Secrets to Getting Ahead; Mysterious Men: Solving Your Dating Dilemmas; and Friendship Files: Lessons Learned from Bess and George, this is a great gift for Nancy Drew fans.

The Alphabet Versus the Goddess: The Conflict Between Word and Image


Leonard Shlain - 1998
    Making remarkable connections across brain function, myth, and anthropology, Dr. Shlain shows why pre-literate cultures were principally informed by holistic, right-brain modes that venerated the Goddess, images, and feminine values. Writing drove cultures toward linear left-brain thinking and this shift upset the balance between men and women, initiating the decline of the feminine and ushering in patriarchal rule. Examining the cultures of the Israelites, Greeks, Christians, and Muslims, Shlain reinterprets ancient myths and parables in light of his theory. Provocative and inspiring, this book is a paradigm-shattering work that will transform your view of history and the mind.

Because I Said So! : The Truth Behind the Myths, Tales, and Warnings Every Generation Passes Down to Its Kids


Ken Jennings - 2012
    Yes, all those years you were told not to sit too close to the television (you'll hurt your eyes!) or swallow your gum (it stays in your stomach for seven years!) or crack your knuckles (arthritis!) are called into question by our country's leading trivia guru. Jennings separates myth from fact to debunk a wide variety of parental edicts: no swimming after meals, sit up straight, don't talk to strangers, and so on. Armed with medical case histories, scientific findings, and even the occasional experiment on himself (or his kids), Jennings exposes countless examples of parental wisdom run amok. Whether you're a parent who wants to know what you can stop worrying about or a kid (of any age) looking to say, "I told you so,"; this is the anti-helicopter parenting book you've been waiting for.

Mountains of the Pharaohs: The Untold Story of the Pyramid Builders


Zahi A. Hawass - 2006
    Questions about the construction and the purpose of these majestic monuments have existed since the middle period of ancient Egyptian civilization, but recent cutting-edge research has uncovered information about how and why they were built. In Mountains of the Pharaohs, Zahi Hawass, a world-renowned archaeologist and the official guardian of Egypt’s timeless treasures, weaves the latest archaeological data and an enthralling family history into spellbinding narrative.Nearly five thousand years ago, the 4th Dynasty of Egypt’s Old Kingdom reigned over a highly advanced civilization. Believed to be gods, the royal family lived amid colossal palaces and temples built to honor them and their deified ancestors. Hawass brings these extraordinary historical figures to life, spinning a soap opera–like saga complete with murder, incest, and the triumphant ascension to the throne of one of only four queens ever to rule Egypt.The magnificent pyramids attest not only to the dynasty’s supreme power, but also to the engineering expertise and architectural sophistication that flourished under their rule. Hawass argues that the pyramids—including the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the only one of the Seven Wonders of the World still standing—were built by skilled craftsmen who took great pride in their work.Mountains of the Pharaohs is an unprecedented account of one of civilization’s greatest achievements

Off With Their Heads!: All the Cool Bits in British History


Martin Oliver - 2009
    This book will inspire a love of history that will last a lifetime and is a lovely gift from parent to child to help all school children get to grips with British history. Contents include:• Rules to remember the rulers of Britain• Clue-up on the cruel fate of all six of Henry VIII's wives• Become an expert on the inventions of the Industrial Revolution• Be wise to the bloody battles of the Hundred Years War• Swat-up on stories of the Saxons' successes• Get to grips with the gunpowder plot• Understand the Easter Uprising• Roam about in Roman Britain• What was the War of the Roses?• Learn a poem to understand the events leading up to WW1

Word Power Made Easy


Norman Lewis - 1949
    As you complete the exercises in this book, you will learn how to tell if you’re using the right word as well as how to pronounce and spell it. You will also learn how to avoid illiterate expressions and how to speak grammatically, without making embarrassing mistakes.A complete handbook for building a superior vocabulary, Word Power Made Easy will teach you how to speak and write with confidence as well as how to read more effectively and efficiently. It will help you to learn more quickly, develop social contacts, and increase your earning power.Each chapter ends with review. Each section ends with a progressive check. Numerous tests will help you increase and retain the knowledge you acquired. Word Power Made Easy does more than just add words to your vocabulary; it teaches ideas and a method of broadening knowledge as an integral part of the vocabulary building process.

Richmond's Unhealed History


Benjamin Campbell - 2011
    Campbell argues that the community of metropolitan Richmond is engaged in a decisive spiritual battle in the coming decade. He believes the city, more than any in the nation, has the potential for an unprecedented and historic achievement. Its citizens can redeem and fulfill the ideals of their ancestors, proving to the world that race and class can be conquered by the deliberate and prayerful intention of honest and dedicated citizens.

The Florida Keys: A History & Guide


Joy Williams - 1987
    Acclaimed novelist and Florida resident Joy Williams traces U.S. Highway 1 from Key Largo to Key West, combining the best of local legend—colorful stories you won’t find in other guidebooks—with insightful commentary and the most up-to-date advice on where to stay, eat, and wander. Along the way, you will:• explore the exquisite underwater world of North America’s only living reef • discover the beautiful bridges that span the Keys, the forts, and the distinctive “conch” architecture of Key West• experience the eerie serenity of Florida Bay’s “backcountry” and the unique ecology of the Keys• visit the Key West cemetery and learn about the lives of some of the Keys’ eccentrics—writers, madmen, and entrepreneurs with various delusions• find the best (and avoid the worst) cafés, inns, and other establishments that the Keys have to offerHere is the most thorough and candid guide to the Keys, one of the most surprising locales in America. With insight and style, Joy Williams shares with us all of the region’s idiosyncrasies and delights.

The Book of Virtues


William J. Bennett - 1993
    Bennett's bestselling The Book of Virtues is an inspiring anthology that helps children understand and develop moral character—and helps parents teach it to them.Responsibility. Courage. Compassion. Honesty. Friendship. Persistence. Faith. Everyone recognizes these traits as essentials of good character. In order for our children to develop such traits, we have to offer them examples of good and bad, right and wrong. And the best places to find them are in great works of literature and exemplary stories from history. William J. Bennett has collected hundreds of stories in The Book of Virtues. From the Bible to American history, from Greek mythology to English poetry, from fairy tales to modern fiction, these stories are a rich mine of moral literacy, a reliable moral reference point that will help anchor our children and ourselves in our culture, our history, and our traditions—the sources of the ideals by which we wish to live our lives. Complete with instructive introductions and notes, The Book of Virtues is a book the whole family can read and enjoy—and learn from—together.

Weird Michigan


Linda S. Godfrey - 2005
    The weirder the better, we say, and Michigan falls perfectly into that category. Oh, sure, big-time heroes like Charles Lindbergh and Madonna hail from here, and so does President Gerald Ford, but do they compare to superhero Captain Jackson, who strolls around town in a purple cape doing good deeds? Well, yes, maybe they do, but the captain, in our opinion, is more representative of our fine state. Because, let's face it, Michigan has a great big quantity of . . . weirdness. That's how we were able to entice best-selling author Linda Godfrey to swim over from Wisconsin, grab a notebook, and track down all kinds of serious weirdness for you, Motown flowing through her headphones the whole time. Just turn the pages and see what she found. Read about the guru of toilet paper, the Devil's Soup Bowl, a bottle house and a bottle tower, our own Bigfoot, a pickle barrel house, the world's fastest cow, a fire breather and an eyeball smoker, the Outhouse Classic, UFOs of every size and shape, crop circles, and brown goo. Just don't, no matter how tired you are, even think about sitting in the Witch's Chair. It's a great state. Especially since we have lots of lake monsters and all our residents live no more than six miles from an inland lake—at least that's what our state's official Web site says. But Linda will take you way beyond what the governor's office will tell you—to say nothing of what your history teacher left out of the lesson plans. We think you'll agree that Weird Michigan, a brand-new entry in the best-selling Weird U.S. series, is a trip no self-respecting Michigander (or Michiganian, if you prefer—and that's pretty odd, don't you think?) would ever want to miss.

Coast to Coast Ghosts: True Stories of Hauntings Across America


Leslie Rule - 2001
    An employee of the St. James Hotel in New Mexico watches in shock as a fair-haired toddler with a terribly disfigured face disappears into the floor. This is just one of the paranormal mysteries Leslie Rule shares with us--a result of extensive interviews and research uncovering the reasons behind ghost sightings across the country.Coast to Coast Ghosts features dozens of spine-tingling, real-life ghost stories and approximately fifty black-and-white photographs taken by Rule, including some believed to have captured actual apparitions.Only the reader can decide. . . .

Ancient Times: From the Earliest Nomads to the Last Roman Emperor


Susan Wise Bauer - 2001
    Africa, China, Europe, the Americas—find out what happened all around the world in long-ago times. This first revised volume begins with the earliest nomads and ends with the last Roman emperor. Newly revised and updated, The Story of the World, Volume 1 includes maps, a new timeline, more illustrations, and additional parental aids. This read-aloud series is designed for parents to share with elementary-school children. Enjoy it together and introduce your child to the marvelous story of the world's civilizations.Each Story of the World volume provides a full year of history study when combined with the Activity Book, Audiobook, and Tests—each available separately to accompany each volume of The Story of the World Text Book. Volume 1 Grade Recommendation: Grades 1-5.

Capcom 30th Anniversary Character Encyclopedia


Casey Loe - 2013
    The "Capcom 30th Anniversary Character Encyclopedia" celebrates Capcom's 30 years in the industry and gives fans concise information about every major Capcom character, their key artwork, statistics, background information, and interesting notes on the history of each character and game franchise. Including almost 200 characters from the Capcom family, this "Character Encyclopedia" sheds new light on these characters in a way nothing else does!

Disney Trivia from the Vault: Secrets Revealed and Questions Answered


Dave Smith - 2012
    He unmasks mysteries, debunks myths, and shares delightful details, including the responses to these queries:Did the same actress provide the voice of both Maleficent and Madame Leota, the head in the crystal ball in The Haunted Mansion? Who was the first athlete to say, "I'm going to Disneyland!"?Take a peek inside. Only Dave knows the answers! In addition to founding the Disney Archives in 1970 and serving as chief archivist for over forty years, Dave Smith has been a featured speaker at many Disney events. Beginning with the July 1983 issue of Disney Channel Magazine, Dave Smith began answering Disney trivia questions from viewers of the Disney Channel. In the ensuing thirty years, his "Ask Dave" column has continued through multiple publications, including Disney Magazine, the online "Disney Insider," and, most recently, the D23 Web site. He has also coauthored all volumes of The Ultimate Disney Trivia Book 1—4 and Disney: The First 100 Years (and its update). He compiled The Quotable Walt Disney, as well as three editions of the encyclopedia Disney A to Z.

Taste of Home: Simple & Delicious Cookbook


Jean Steiner - 2007
    From "Taste of Home," North America's most popular cooking magazine, comes this collection of 260 great-tasting recipes, most taking only ten, 20, or 30 minutes to prepare.